GED program shifts to computers in 2014

Nicole Young said the most difficult part of going back to school for her GED diploma was getting started.

The 32-year-old Newport News resident said fear and shame prevented her from seeking the document that is the first step toward furthering her education.

"Just walking in the door itself was hard," she said.

Starting Jan. 1, 2014, earning a GED diploma could be more difficult for some students when the test changes from paper to computer-based format.

To earn a GED diploma now, a student must take five tests — writing, social studies, science, reading and math — all on paper. Starting in 2014, there will be four tests — reading and writing will be combined — that must be taken on a computer.

Anyone who has not finished all five parts by the end of 2013 must start over.

Local educators said they understand the change is necessary to keep up with the evolving high school diploma, but they said it's going to be a challenge for many students who lack computer skills.

"Everyone seems to think everyone has the Internet in their home.... That's absolutely not true," said Jane Moreland, dropout recovery coordinator for Newport News Public Schools.

Moreland works out of the South Morrision Family Education Center in Newport News, which offers GED preparation and is a testing site. She said more than half the students they see don't have basic computer skills, in addition to many other challenges that prevent them from attempting the tests.

Moreland and others want to remind students they have an entire year to finish if they've already completed some of the tests or learn the skills at one of a handful of area preparation sites to get ready for the new format.

Kate Hicks, chief GED examiner at South Morrison, said her records show in Newport News, there are more than 1,000 individuals who have attempted the tests in the last 10 years, but have not passed all five to earn the GED diploma.

When the change is made to the computer format, any tests those students have passed will have to be retaken.

"All of your scores go away, and you have to start fresh," said Mary Ellen Dreybus, Peninsula adult education regional program manager.

Dreybus said right now is the best time for individuals in Hampton and Newport News to attempt the tests because of a Race to GED grant that has reduced the cost from $58 to $25 until June 30. The new computer-based format will consist of just four tests – the language arts reading and writing will be combined – and cost $124, Dreybus said.

Young, a mother of two young boys, said she wants to encourage others to take that first step into area centers to receive the same guidance and support she's received that's helped her pass three tests.

Young said she was turned down for at least 10 jobs because she didn't have her GED diploma. While it was difficult for her to overcome her fears, she understood it was a first step that she hopes will lead her to nursing school.

"Once you get your education...you can be anything you want to be," she said. "I want to show my kids that it's never too late...never give up."